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Shock cash demand puts RL World Cup game in Whitehaven at risk

Partners in a proposed £5.5 million community stadium in Whitehaven are still hopeful that a deal can be done – despite a shock call for £750,000 to allow access to the Pow Beck site.

An artist’s impression of the Whitehaven FC clubhouse

A deadline of last Friday for the Recreation Ground landlords Whitehaven Miners Social Welfare to reach agreement passed without a deal. It is understood that partners in the project – Whitehaven Rugby League and Amateurs Football Club, Copeland Council and Britain’s Energy Coast – were hopeful that a settlement could be agreed.

The new stadium is due to host two matches in the Rugby League World Cup in the autumn of 2013.

But at a late stage the miners group upped the ante and asked for £750,000 to allow access to the site.

Under the current plans, access to the Pow Beck stadium is along the group’s road, with the Recreation Ground used as a car park and possible training facility for the new stadium.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) is due to announce the World Cup fixture list later this month.

It is expected the stadium would take around 12 months to build, which makes the timetable tight, and was the reason why Friday’s deadline was imposed.

It is believed the RFL, the sport’s governing body, has been involved in talks to try to resolve the situation.

“While not wishing to comment on the figure the miners has asked for, it was a shock to the partners,” said Haven chief executive Barry Richardson.

“While recognising the miners is a charitable trust and needs to get the best deal for its members, the goalposts have moved dramatically.